The Okotoks Oilers are pleased to announce that Caylen Walls has committed to the University of Vermont Catamounts.
Walls, a 20-year old defenseman from Lyalta, Alberta, was acquired in December of 2011 after playing his entire AJHL career with Grande Prairie since the 2009-2010 season. In 22 regular season & 9 playoff games with the Oilers, Walls recorded 3 goals and 14 points. Since being acquired on December 1st, Walls helped the Oilers compile a 21-5-3 record which resulted in the Oilers capturing 2nd place in the AJHL South on the last weekend of the regular season.
Coach James Poole stated, “Since joining our team in December, Caylen brought a professional approach and tremendous work ethic on & off the ice which was a great influence on our younger players. Caylen is an elite defensive defenseman who brings a physical presence that makes him extremely tough to play against while also having good offensive awareness with a great shot from the point. These attributes will make him a great addition to the Catamount hockey program. The Oilers organization is very excited for him & his family that he has been rewarded with a scholarship to a quality NCAA program and wish him luck in his future endeavors both athletically and academically.”
Based in Burlington, Vermont, the University of Vermont Catamounts compete in the NCAA’s Hockey East Conference. Notable Catamount alumni include several NHL present stars like Martin St. Louis, Tim Thomas & Patrick Sharp. Walls becomes the 4th Oiler in the past two seasons to receive a scholarship to the University of Vermont joining Jonathan Turk, Robert Hamilton and 2010-2011 AJHL Scoring Leader Kyle Reynolds.
Walls is the 7th player from the 2011-2012 Oilers roster to commit to an NCAA program.